Film-festival programmers act as curators, advocates, even provocateurs. They are able to show movies (only a few, please) that honor a director’s intention, able to slot works for a reach not quite grasped.
Fortunately for area audiences, two upcoming fests feature engaging, well-executed films. The 12th Denver Jewish Film Festival at the Mizel Arts & Culture Center begins Thursday and ends Feb. 16. On Valentine’s Day, the fourth — and best, declare founders Robin and Kathy Beeck — installment of the Boulder International Film Festival kicks off.
Both festivals’ rich lineups (available at and ) represent not only their programmers’ avid tastes, but also an understanding of a community of filmgoers. So I asked Denver Jewish festival director Robert Bloom and Boulder International executive director Robin Beeck to share what inspired their decisions. And — because I can — I added my two cents about some of their choicest picks.
(Check out the page for an expanded list and commentary.)The 12th Denver Jewish Film Festival (Thursday-Feb. 16)
“Beaufort”(Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m.) — Landing the Colorado premiere of the Oscar-nominated Israeli film about a group of soldiers holding a castle atop a mountain at the end of the war in Lebanon is a coup.Why Robert Bloom programmed it: “I learned about ‘Beaufort’ when the Berlin International Film Festival named Joseph Cedar best director. ‘Beaufort’ is a war film without big heroes. It brings you into the strange, dramatic and historically important context of this Crusader castle in southern Lebanon. Mystical inferences, bureaucracy and an austere landscape create a bizarre reality. It’s intriguing to see a film like this from Israel, a country that has experienced so much war and violence in its brief 60 years. And it’s very timely as Americans contemplate withdrawal from Iraq.”
Why I think you should see it: Full disclosure: I haven’t seen it (prints are at a premium). But 2007 was an astounding year for Israeli film. “Beaufort” became Israel’s choice for Oscar over one of our favorites, “The Band’s Visit”; I’m more than curious.
“Jellyfish” (Feb. 10, 10:30 p.m.): Etgar Keret and Shira Geffen subtly relate the tales of three women in Tel Aviv: a non-Hebrew-speaking Filipino home-care aide; a wedding-party waitress; and a newlywed who breaks her ankle before her vexed honeymoon.
Why Bloom programmed it: “I’ve seen “Jellyfish” three times, and I’m looking forward to seeing it again. It’s one of those magical films that reveals more each time. It is visually delicious, aesthetically beautiful and layered with symbolism. It is also conceptually complex, weaving together several stories. This structure makes sense when you understand that co-director Keret is a writer of short stories. As a mosaic artist, I appreciate the sense of fractured elements that come together to create a whole.”
Why I think you should see it: It won a prize at Cannes and was the subject of cranky buzz on the gondolas at Telluride’s fest. Love it or hate it, this delicate meditation on modern life, rife with beckoning performances, touches on aloneness, immigration and the flux of the sea.
“Orthodox Stance” (Feb. 10, 3 p.m.) In Jason Hutt’s documentary, Dimitriy Salita, the son of Ukrainian emigres, fights for a boxing career while honoring his religious traditions.
Why Bloom programmed it: “Generally not drawn to boxing films, I found this film strangely compelling. It embraces many issues confronted by generations of immigrants. Dmitriy is simultaneously real and symbolic. The scene in which his mother entrusts his well-being to his coach is very powerful. The assimilation of immigrants making their way in a new world, religious freedom and the rediscovery of lost heritage are all underlying themes.”
Why I think you should see it: Strange to say, perhaps, but documentaries still must cast well. Salita is such a nice Jewish boy, with a sharp jab and a touching relationship to his trainer, Jimmy O’Pharrow, a black man with intriguing insights into his muscular ward and the traditions he straddles.
The Boulder International Film Festival (Feb. 14—17)
“Stranded: I’ve Come From a Plane That Crashed on the Mountain”: (Feb. 17, 6 p.m. Boulder Theater) Hot from last month’s Sundance Film Festival, Gonzalo Arijon’s documentary revisits the 1972 crash that left survivors of a Uruguayan soccer team struggling against all odds and codes in the snow-covered Andes.
Why Robin Beeck programmed it: “I watched ‘Stranded’ for the first time on my laptop, which says a lot. We love this film because the story is so engrossing, we could not move — were frozen — during the entire film, and we haven’t been able to stop thinking or talking about it since. I think audiences will be changed by this film. It changed me.”
Why I think you should see it: There is an act of profound recuperation and great generosity in what these survivors share 35 years later. Arijon’s elegant film makes clear these interviewees were touched by the void.
“Son of Man” (Feb. 15, noon, Boulder Theater). South African director Mark Donrford- May recasts the gospels in modern, conflict-ridden Africa using the Dimpho Di Kopane film and theater ensemble.
Why Beeck programmed it: “Roger Ebert thought this was the best film at Sundance ’06. So we tried to get a screener (in 2007) to no avail. This year, too, I had an extremely difficult time reaching the overseas distributor. I was so excited when I finally reached them, even more blown away watching the screener. It’s films like “Son of Man” — fought hard for and won — you know will profoundly affect your audience, that makes the effort all worth it in the end.”
Why I think you should see it: Finally, an opportunity for locals to see this vibrant film that envisions Christ’s socially aware, spiritual struggle in a way that celebrates compassion over ideology.
“True North” (Feb. 16, 2:30 p.m, Boulder Theater). Steve Hudson’s Brit thriller about the son of a Scottish fisherman who hides Chinese immigrants in the hold of a trawler, unbeknownst to his father, “The Skipper.”
Why Beeck programmed it: “I’d been working to get this film for about a year and a half. It’s another one of those undiscovered, underappreciated gems that you’ll never have a chance to see outside of (the festival). It draws you in, with a certain emotional rawness. Everyone loves man vs. man, man vs. nature and man vs. self nautical epics. This one really packs a punch.”
Why I think you should see it: Using tensions worthy of Sophocles, this visceral debut reminds audiences that the dark business of human trafficking is human tragedy.
Lisa Kennedy: 303-954-1567 or lkennedy@denverpost.com; also on blogs.denverpostcom/ madmoviegoer
The 12th Denver Jewish Film Festival
The Mizel Arts & Culture Center at the JCC, 350 S. Dahlia St. Thursday through Feb. 16 (no performances Friday and Feb. 15) variety of passes, starting with the festival pass $54; general admission $6-$8, good for any films except opening and closing night; ticket reservations must be made online or through the box office for festival pass holders 303-316-6360 or
“The Boulder International Film Festival
Boulder Theater, Boulder Public Library, Boulder High School and other venues Feb. 14 through Feb. 17$50 opening night, $25 closing night; $8-$10 general admission. For tickets, contact the Boulder Theater, 303-786-7030, or for further information.
